New Delhi: With Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Arunachal Pradesh slated to go for by-polls on November 19, the Election Commission of India on Friday expressed concerns over the use of indelible ink by banks under the demonetisation rule.
Expressing concern, the poll watchdog wrote to the Union finance ministry and said, “ A few by-polls are to be held on November 19. As per the provisions of Rule 49K of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, the left forefinger of electors is required to be marked with indelible ink at the polling stations before the elector is allowed to vote.”
The Election Commission stated, “Sub-rule (4) of the said Rule 49K provides that in cases, where the elector does not have forefinger on the left hand, the ink is to be marked on any finger on his left hand, and if does not have any finger on his left hand, the ink is to be marked on his right forefinger.
“ln view of the current by-elections and the upcoming ones, it is requested that the above mentioned provisions of rules regarding application of indelible ink during elections should be duly taken into consideration in the context of the reported move to apply indelible ink in connection with demonetisation process so that the same does not affect the election process,” it said.
